1945: Oct 3, last flight - Surplus by USAAF
This P-51 would not fly again until complete restoration in 2001.
Donated/sold by the USAAF to a trade school for $1 fee in Billings Montana where the condition diminished.

1965?: Confederate Air Force, project shipped to Harlington TX.
1973: N9288, Confederate Air Force
1985: N215CA, Confederate Air Force, restoration project
Project moved around between CAF units with little or no work done.
Then moved to the Southern Minnesota Wing in St. Paul, MN.
1999: restoration work became more aggressive.
2001: April 26, N61429, American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, Midland TX
2001: May 10, restoration completed, 1st flight by Bob Odegaard was just about perfect.
2004: May 30, tragic accident took the life of Don Hinz.
2004: Restoration work already in progress
2006: Restoration continues
2007: January, work cont. on the fuselage. Most skins are done, wiring is in progress, need work on the wings.
2008: work continues Red Tail
2009: May - Amazing work and dedication puts this P-51 back in the air!
Congrats to the CAF!
2015: Feb 03, N215CA, gear-up landing, pilot ok, Dallas Executive Airport